Designing for Discomfort: Preparing Scholars for Journeys Through Qualitative Research. Issue 3 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skukauskaite, Audra; Noske, Patricia; Gonzales, Melissa
• Is Part Of: International review of qualitative research. Volume 11:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 334
• Page End: 349
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: teaching qualitative research -- discomforts -- learning research -- doctoral student learning -- reflexivity; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Social justice -- Periodicals; Qualitative research; Social justice; Social sciences -- Research; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 001.42
• DOI: 10.1525/irqr.2018.11.3.334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1940-8447

Abstract

In this article we explore discomforts two doctoral students experienced in a qualitative research methods class designed to introduce the diversity of qualitative research. The discomforts, purposefully facilitated by the teacher, created opportunities for students to consider their roles as professionals and scholars. We use student class posts, reflection journals, and audio-recorded conversations from our yearlong research to focus on the discomfort of nonsingularity of qualitative research. We make visible how this discomfort became instrumental in our understanding of the polyphony of qualitative research and of our responsibilities as scholars. We argue that discomforts, when part of a class design, can open doors for deeper understandings of our learning and of qualitative research.